Reverse Thought

Right- I still owe you all a "sole"ful post, and I do promise- it IS in the works. Slowly, since two days ago my back had a hiccup (again) and bending/ moving much right now is a bit of a joke. I'll be using recycled sole shots from the files, unless anyone out there would like to offer up some other views. (Maybe a good one of the sole flaking that so many ask about? I don't have anything like that on file.)

Now- the Reverse Thought.

Madame Jennifer (and SunnySD, BECG), I have a challenge for you, and for all of us who participate(d) in the Bucking Off session. It sure is easy to find the negative, the Pet Peeves, and Things That REALLY "BUCK US OFF".... My challenge for all who participate, is to look back over your post on Bucking Off, and using what you wrote, post about the polar opposite. Tell us what has made you extremely happy about your given situation.

For mine, I wrote that I am not ready to share my horse with just "any" Joe Schmo, and I also vented about rude children (and their even ruder parents.)

But I can honestly say that nothing makes me HAPPIER than:

- A child, with stars in their eyes, absorbing every tiny detail about the pony. A child who listens to every word uttered about horses, ponies, donkeys- any equid. A child who pitches in, and helps do horse chores with out being asked. A child who is willing to just sit for hours on end, and watch the pony move about.

THAT is what makes me happy- because that child is the future of horsemanship. THAT child will go places, and be a benefit to the equine world and industry. Feeding that love, that deep, everlasting PASSION is a responsibility I gladly take on.

The same holds true for older folks, who stare in wonder at a horse. The ones who ask intelligent questions. The ones who pitch in and help out with day to day (non-glamorous) upkeep issues. The ones who are not afraid to get dirty, help fix fence, help move hay, and help clean paddocks/ stalls.

The teens and adults who ask intelligent questions- not like, "Well, how fast can he run? And how do I make him run?" But the questions of, "Does he like this?" or "Will this help him be more comfortable, while I am mounted?" or "Is this horse fit/ healthy enough to carry me?"

People who have that same true fiery passion running through their blood, the ones who dream of horses, who think of horses, who glory in being NEAR a horse-- those are the ones I want to be around. Those are the ones that I'll bring my horse in out of the paddock for. Those children, the ones with stars in their eyes, who look upon the pony with wonder and awe, and the ones I'll spend all day long with, teaching them about horses and ponies.

Nothing brings me greater joy than being able to help someone else achieve their dream, and watch their passion grow.

Now, let's hear from YOU guys about the Good Galloping Glorious Stuff!